Abstract: A multi-stage transimpedance amplifier (TIA) with an adjustable input linear range is disclosed. The TIA includes a first stage, configured to convert a single-ended current signal from an optical sensor of a receiver signal chain to a single-ended voltage signal, and a second stage, configured to convert the single-ended voltage signal provided by the first stage to a differential signal. In such a TIA, the input linear range may be adjusted using a clamp that is programmable with an output offset current to keep the second stage of the TIA from overloading and to maintain a linear transfer function without compression.

Abstract: A multi-stage transimpedance amplifier (TIA) with an adjustable input linear range is disclosed. The TIA includes a first stage, configured to convert a single-ended current signal from an optical sensor of a receiver signal chain to a single-ended voltage signal, and a second stage, configured to convert the single-ended voltage signal provided by the first stage to a differential signal. In such a TIA, the input linear range may be adjusted using a clamp that is programmable with an output offset current to keep the second stage of the TIA from overloading and to maintain a linear transfer function without compression.

Abstract: Techniques to achieve higher power/shorter pulses with a laser diode. By initially applying a static reverse bias across the laser diode, the laser diode can turn on at a larger inductor current. When the laser diode is initially reverse biased, depletion charge and diffusion charge can be populated before the laser diode will lase. This causes the laser diode to initially turn on at a larger inductor current, which will reduce the rise time, thereby achieving higher power/shorter pulses.

Abstract: Techniques to achieve higher power/shorter pulses with a laser diode. By initially applying a static reverse bias across the laser diode, the laser diode can turn on at a larger inductor current. When the laser diode is initially reverse biased, depletion charge and diffusion charge can be populated before the laser diode will lase. This causes the laser diode to initially turn on at a larger inductor current, which will reduce the rise time, thereby achieving higher power/shorter pulses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling gain factor in a driver device for a lighting device according to the input voltage signal to reduce output current or output power dependency on the amplitude of the input voltage signal. One method couples an input voltage signal to the input port of the driver device and couples an output branch to the output port of the driver device. The gain factor is adjusted according to the input voltage signal to reduce output current or output power dependency on input voltage amplitude of the input voltage signal. The gain factor can also be configured according to a reference voltage and the output voltage across the output port to deliver a substantially constant output power.

Abstract: Methods and apparati for controlling bleed current (IBLEED) in a driver circuit (20) for a lighting device (23). A method embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of coupling a dimmer (21) to an input of the driver circuit (20), and forcing the bleed current (IBLEED) to be inversely proportional to the time-averaged voltage (VLEDP) at said lighting device (23). The dimmer (21) consumes power even when the lighting device (23) is not emitting light.

Abstract: Methods and apparati for forcing the current through a load (11) in a variable DC electrical circuit to be proportional to the input voltage (V(in)). A circuit embodiment of the present invention comprises a source (27) of input AC; a rectifier (23) coupled to the input AC source (27), said rectifier (23) producing a variable DC input voltage; coupled to the rectifier (23), a load (11) having a variable direct current flowing therethrough; and means (12-16) for forcing the current through the load (11) to be proportional to the variable DC input voltage.

Abstract: An analog control circuit is coupled to an apparatus having a variable characteristic over an operating range. A sensing circuit is coupled to the apparatus and the control circuit during the range of operation of the apparatus and is operative to sense the variable characteristic. The operating parameter of the apparatus is controlled to be set at a level corresponding to a prescribed criterion, which may be a maximum or minimum, of the characteristic sensed over the range of operation.